The Loop: connecting communities across the East Midlands

We’re building something special here in the East Midlands and this week continues to mark a another step forward.

Last month, Mayor Claire set off from Buxton to begin her journey along The Loop – an unofficial 150-mile walking trail, showcasing the best of the East Midlands and promoting active travel as part of her pledge to build a cleaner, greener and more connected region.

On the first stage, from Buxton to Miller’s Dale, Mayor Claire was joined along the way by the Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust, TDI Greenway, and the Buxton Town Team. They explored active travel routes, sustainable transport, and the future of Buxton’s economy. You can watch the full journey on our YouTube channel here.

During the second section of the walk from Miller’s Dale to Monsal Head, the Mayor was joined by Emma Simpson, Chief Executive of Rural Action Derbyshire, talking about rural challenges such as transport connectivity and rural poverty. You can find out more in the video below.

“The Loop is about more than just walking,” said Mayor Claire Ward. “It’s about bringing people together, redistributing tourism, and recognising the places and people that too often go overlooked.”

Over the coming year, Mayor Claire will continue walking sections of The Loop alongside community leaders and residents, listening and learning to help shape policies grounded in lived experience.

Designed to boost the local visitor economy, The Loop also reflects the region’s rich industrial and natural heritage — from the Crooked Spire in Chesterfield to the River Trent corridor and former coal power sites of ‘Megawatt Valley’.